SAXTONS RIVER-On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I will be voting for Leslie Goldman and Michelle Bos-Lun as state representatives for the Windham 3 district, covering Westminster, Rockingham, and Brookline. They are long-time residents and experienced legislators who are passionate about representing all their constituents and are well-versed on the many issues we face in our communities.
I've known Leslie for over 40 years - as a friend and neighbor, as a fellow activist, and as my nurse practitioner. She's served as a member of the Bellows Falls Union High School Board and the Rockingham Selectboard, and she has represented Vermont's Windham-3 District since 2021.
Leslie is a lifelong Democrat who supports health care for everyone, including reproductive liberty, dependable child care, and education for all our citizens.
In addition, she knows that creating and maintaining strong businesses, whether large or small, will attract and retain a workforce that improves the quality of life for everyone.
I've known Michelle as a concerned activist and educator for many years as well, and I have been impressed with how she's immersed herself in the community.
As a teacher of middle- and high-school-age students, a case manager, and an advocate for those striving to stabilize and improve their lives, she always finds ways to connect, whether it's on the stage in theatrical productions or supporting young people who need an extra hand.
Michelle is passionate about helping youth and families, justice reform, and protecting our Earth. For nearly two decades, she's been actively engaged in the community, meeting with various heads of government offices and with leaders of nonprofits and small businesses.
Providing opportunities for folks to come together and voice their concerns is a priority for both Leslie and Michelle. Their meetings with members of the community in the Rockingham Free Public Library and other local establishments have drawn healthy numbers of voters who are eager to ask questions and share their views.
Beyond local concerns, Leslie and Michelle are aware of the existential issues on climate change and sustainable energy that are confronting our world, and they are committed to tackling the climate crisis now.
In early September, Michelle and Leslie appeared together in The Feed's Meet the Candidates forum on FACT-TV. Anyone can access this program by going to bit.ly/784-candidates.
The Feed gives a great overview, plus specifics, of Michelle and Leslie's background, current work, and hopes for the future. It's impressive to see how our representatives succinctly lay out their positions and extensive experience of passing legislation in Vermont.
The positions Leslie and Michelle hold require a certain amount of continuity to get up to speed on the issues and to make sure their good work bears fruit - both in the short-term and the long term.
Our two representatives from the Windham-3 district have definitely earned our trust over the last four years, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they'll continue to serve our communities.
Susan Peters
Saxtons River
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